Tim Sheens' job at Wests Tigers in spotlight after capitulation

BARRING a miracle, the race for the NRL top eight is over following the stunning capitulation of the Wests Tigers yesterday.

Celebrating Anthony Minichiello's 250th game at Allianz Stadium, the Roosters almost certainly ended the Tigers campaign with a 44-20 victory - just 24 hours after the Knights and the Titans bowed out of the race in Saturday night losses.

After a disgraceful Tigers performance even allowing for the absence of skipper Robbie Farah - questions were raised about the future of Test coach Tim Sheens, who has now made the finals only three times in the past 15 years.

The Tigers are still level in eighth position with the Brisbane Broncos but have a 52-point worse for-and-against as a result of yesterday's shellacking.

To make the semis, the Tigers would have to upset Melbourne on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval and hope Penrith can knock over the Broncos at Suncorp on Friday. Or hope the Raiders lose by a big margin to the Warriors.

Both Sheens and Benji Marshall admit it's going to be difficult for the club that started the season as title favourites.

"At the moment we are not looking past where everybody is at," Sheens said.

"Obviously there is still another game to play, but right at the moment we are no chance of beating Melbourne unless we are 300 per cent better."

While the eight looks all-but settled, next weekend the minor premiership could be up for grabs if Melbourne Storm beat the Sharks tonight at AAMI Park.

The Bulldogs would have to beat the Roosters on Saturday night to be assured of collecting the J.J Giltinan Shield.

The Cowboys are still an outside chance of sneaking into the top four if they can beat Cronulla next Sunday then hope either Souths lose to the Knights on Friday or Manly lose to the Titans.

Souths have a tough assignment against the Knights, who have never lost on "old boys" night when former players form a guard of honour as the team runs onto the field. But the Rabbitohs roared back into form yesterday, flogging Parramatta 38-6 at ANZ Stadium.